The City of San Angelo is losing another leader in an area identified as strategically important for local government. Development Services Director Jon James last day is the end of October. James tight-roped a conflict between City Council and Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) Board over funding nonprofits in the North TIRZ zone. It remains unresolved.
The City already has openings for Water Utilities and Economic Development. Both positions have been open for over a year.
Concho Valley Homepage reported that a number of San Angelo Police officers have communicated their concerns about city operations and pay scales. A former SAPD Public Information Officer wrote:
"claimed 21 officers were actively seeking employment elsewhere, which did not include the ’40 plus that can punch out and retire at any time’. She listed officers’ reasons for leaving as low pay and benefits and a lack of support from leadership."
The officer "asked the community to reach out to city management to voice concerns. The city won’t listen to officers’ voices. Hopefully, they will listen to yours.”
A mass exodus from SAPD would hurt City Council's public safety priority.
Surely City leaders will tackle this issue at the next Council meeting. If they don't address it, a real pattern is emerging.
Update 10-24-23: City leaders responded to the stories on Concho Valley Homepage. Look for any proposed action at the November 7th City Council meeting.
Update 1-26-24: City Council discussed the inability to hire Directors for key position in their strategic planning session. Councilman Tommy Hiebert spoke to the length of time many critical positions have been empty.
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